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May 25 - June 3, 2009

Trip Guide

Bridget Cowlishaw, Ph.D.

Dr. Cowlishaw is Associate Professor of Languages & Literature at Northeastern State University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 and did her dissertation research at the National Archives in Paris during the summer and spring of 1997. She has visited Paris frequently and is an ardent member of les Amis de Robespierre.

The Rights of Man and Citizen 1793

boat ride on the seine

picnic on the river

Tuileries Garden

picnic in the luxembourg garden

Cafe Procope

best Paris bakeries

French "fast food"

the Conciergerie

French food

Louvre museum

Orsay museum

Rodin museum

Picasso Museum

Romanticism Museum

Georges Sand's house

Your subway pass

Friday, July 3, 2009

Novels About Paris Life

Students had a choice of several novels they could read before arriving in Paris. I asked them to write in their journals about their Favorite Characters :

Elaina Ross read

The Mandarins by Simone de Beauvoir:

"I was interested in Anne because she did not pretend. Every circumstance she encountered was told with no reservations or excuses, only a report of exactly what occurred. Even the most basic instinct, caring for her child, is lacking in some way for Anne, but she does not pretend her feelings are different. Anne acknowledges that her life is easier and even more enjoyable when Nadine, her daughter, is gone to Portugal with Henri. Because Anne is aware of her feelings, she can adjust her behavior to include them instead of acting horribly towards her daughter without understanding why. Her self-awareness is heightened, letting her truly be herself at all times."

Erynn Campbell and Jason Jennings read

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas:

"I liked Jacopo because, even though he is a lowly smuggler, he has more loyalty to his friends than anyone else in the book. he stays with Edmond through thick and thin, even when Edmond does not want him. he helps his friends in any way possible, and loved Edmond with all his heart.and even when everyone abandoned Edmond, Jacopo was still there,refusing to leave. How we need more men with that kind of loyalty!!" -Erynn"I must admit [Edmond Dantès] was not my favorite character when I first read this book, but after the diabolical way he deals with his enemies, yet can show enough compassion to forgive, at least up to a point gives a poignant perspective on what we consider justified and what we consider to be going too far, he finally won me over. So this book to me is a powerful look into the passage from child to adult and how this passage shapes a person into what they need to be. Plus this book also explores the power of love/compassion compared to the power of hate/revenge." -Jason

Catherine Jennings, Valeria Rader, and Jessica Catcher read

Horace by George Sand:

"As I read the novel my affections for the characters changed as their action as attitudes changed. In the beginning of the novel I liked Horace; in spite of his shortcomings I enjoyed his attitude on life and the way that he just didn’t take himself or his life to seriously. His attitude was, to me, a great representation of the Parisian lifestyle; one that involves lots of fashion and cafes and enjoying long strolls in the park." -Catherine

"[Paul Arsene] was obviously the most emotionally stable character, if not a little sympathetically stunted. I really liked how they called him 'Masaccio' and could relate to his fears of not being able to provide well enough for himself, let alone any others, on an artist's salary. It annoyed me how stupid Marthe was about his love for her. He was obviously the best choice and the only one who ever legitimately loved her, yet she had to have the exciting and dramatic romances with M. Poisson and Horace. I just don't understand people like that." -Jessica

"I am not sure I have a favorite character....Each of their lives is so messed up and full of pain....I suppose the character I liked the most after writing this and thinking about it was the narrator. He had so much compassion. Compassion is hard to come by these days and it was so refreshing to see him continue to love Horace the way he did" - Valeria

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. "Would I have to be an English major or does that matter at all?"Anyone can go regardless of their major. However, as spaces fill, priority will be given to students who are taking the class for credit. Interested persons who are not enrolled would be notified in time for a full refund if we run out of extra room for non-enrolled participants.

2. "When (and where) do we sign up?"You would enroll just like any other class in ENGL 4923 if you are an undergraduate, and ENGL 5643 if you are a graduate student. In either case, you will see it on the summer schedule as "Study Away: Paris". A payment schedule is now posted at the top of this page. You will need to make those payments on time toward the $2600 total price.

3. "How does the payment work? Is it simply all in one lump sum or can I make payments?"There is now a new post at the top of this page explaining what amounts are due at what times!

4. "Would the entire trip be based on an itinerary or would I have plenty of free time to explore the city?"That's a great question to ask whenever you're planning to travel! Please see the website above and read the description of the trip. I will post specific schedules for each day later, but my main objective is to give everyone a chance to experience Paris--the scheduled events will be guides to your understanding of the city, but free time is important!

5. "What should I do now to get ready?"Be sure to email Dr. Cowlishaw cowlisha@nsuok.edu and keep in touch with this blog and:First, get a passportYou can find information on passport application at Remember that it takes months to process a passport. Begin the application process immediately!

Second, attend the information meetings. At these meetings, we will get to know each other and discuss preparations for the trip: what you need to bring with you, how to exchange money, what to expect in Paris, current events in Europe, etc. Here is the meeting schedule:

Meeting 1: Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 7:00pmNSU Broken Arrow campus, Building G room 210 -- This meeting is not mandatory. It will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet each other.

Meeting 2: Friday, December 5, 2008 at 5pmNSU Tahlequah campus, Seminary Hall room 110-- This meeting is not mandatory. It will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet each other.

6. "Do I have to know any French?"No. All readings will be in translation and Dr. Cowlishaw will prepare you to navigate the city in English without problems.If, however, you do know some French, this can be a chance to get some practice!

7. "Will there be any scholarships offered?"Yes. Two high school teachers will have assistance through the Evelyn P. Woods Scholarship. Information about the scholarships will be posted on this blog.

8. "How much walking will there be?"A lot. If you want to participate in all the activities, you will need to be in good physical condition--not athletic shape, just reasonably fit. See the post above regarding the lack of handicapped accessibility in Europe.

For More Information

Contact Dr. Cowlishaw at cowlisha@nsuok.eduStudents should enroll in ENGL 4923 or ENGL 5643 "Study Away: Paris" in order to earn 3 hours of 4000-level or 5000-level credit. Students will be graded on their participation in readings and reflective writings in Paris.